Our Board of Directors

 Kent is the designer and co-owner of Heritage Clothier and Home (HCH). HCH curates a collection of men’s fashion, home essentials and gifts. HCH is a “Best of Indy” winner since 2017. Kent has had successful businesses in Indianapolis, Key West, Miami, Boston and Provincetown.

Kent was born on his family's farm in Indiana. (7th Generation Hoosier) he was bestowed "Honorary Conch" by Monroe County Florida's First Female Mayor Wilhelmina Harvey in 2000. 

Kent has been long involved in the advancement of the LGBTQ Business Community. Serving as President of the Greater Indianapolis Gay Business Association (1984-1986) President of the Key West Business Guild   (1999-2000 and 2005-2006, President of the Duval Street Association (1992-1994), Vice President of the Key West Gay and Lesbian Community Center (2005-2010), Chairman of the City of Key West Tourism Development Committee (1992-1994). Kent has spent time in South Florida, Boston and Provincetown but he never lost touch with his Hoosier Heritage.

Kent has served on the Indy Rainbow Chamber of Commerce's board as a director at large (2017-2019) and most recently as Treasurer

(2019-2023). 

President (2023-Present)

Board Member Since 2017

 Is from Mexico City and is a resident of Indianapolis for more than 16 years. He is currently Director of Destination Sales and Account Manager under PANORAMA/ RCI. As a Director of Sales Crystian leads different efforts to promote sales to resorts located in Mexico & the Caribbean, oversees the RCI onsite program and is the Co-President for FUERTE one of the Diversity Resource Groups for Travel + Leisure. Crystian and his partner Juan Carlos are very passionate about helping people in the community. Crystian has spent the last 8+ years helping Christel House students by interpreting during parent teaching conferences. Crystian recently became a certified medical interpreter in order to volunteer his time to help Spanish-speaking members of his community in accessing healthcare. Additionally, Crystian recently decided to volunteer for the Damien Center, Indiana’s largest HIV/AIDS service organization.

Board Member Since 2021

 Jeffrey E. Ramsey is a shareholder with the law firm of Blackwell Burke & Ramsey, PC.  Jeff received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Valparaiso University, where he served as Note Editor for the Law Review.  Jeff has the highest professional rating (AV) by Martindale Hubbell and has been named a Indiana Super Lawyer from 2012 through the present.  He has also been named one of the Best Lawyers in America.  The firm specializes in business transactions and litigation, and Jeff specializes in representing banks and other business creditors in commercial collections, loan workouts, restructuring, bankruptcies, foreclosures and liquidations.

With over 20 years in the financial services, Dan prides himself on being an extremely dedicated and passionate mortgage advisor.  He helps borrowers, whether it be their first home or their final dream home, to make the mortgage process as effortless as possible.  His mission is to help his clients find the right loan for the right home.  Learn more at dcrookshanks@me.com

Dan also has a passion for art and design, he is a member of the Design Arts Society at Indianapolis Museum of Art.   

Board Member Since 2017

 Barbara is an Indianapolis attorney who has focused her practice on issues of importance to the LGBTQ+ community, including second parent and foster parent adoptions, wills, trusts, estate planning, domestic partnership and other non-traditional family issues.

She has been an active supporter of organizations which promote equality and non-discrimination for LGBT and HIV+ citizens, including Lambda Legal, Indiana Equality and Indiana Youth Group.

Board Member Since 2013

Janelle is a Realtor®/Broker with F.C. Tucker Company. She is passionate about helping individuals and families meet their real estate goals, all with an attention to customer service and professionalism, making the process as seamless as possible. With a degree in Interior Design and interests in photography and landscaping, Janelle assists investors with property renovations as well as decorating and staging properties for sale.

Learn more at www.talktotucker.com/janelle.keele.

Board Member Since 2017

   Maureen Damer, CRPC®, ADPA®, RICP®, Senior Vice President-Investment Officer is a member of the Merkel-Damer Financial Strategies Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.  She has been a financial advisor since 1994 and holds applicable securities registrations and designations, which include the Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor (ADPA®).  Maureen’s focus is advising families, individuals, domestic partners and small businesses all investment

 planning matters.

Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Maureen graduated from St. Mary’s College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Business degree.  She has served on many area boards as well as volunteered for an 

array of nonprofits.

As a board member for the Indy Rainbow Chamber, she acts in a completely separate role from her position as a Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors.

Board Member Since 2017

Ben Studebaker is Vice President and Regional Sales Manager for Centier Bank. In Ben's role he leads the sales and service efforts for the Greater Indianapolis and Lafayette retail branches. Ben is passionate in enriching the financial lives of his clients as well as the communities that they serve. Ben is fortunate to work for an institution that allows him to spend a significant amount of time engaging in philanthropic opportunities across Indianapolis.  Ben has been in the banking industry for over a decade and holds a B.S. in Finance from Ball State University and an M.B.A. 

from Anderson University. 

Originally a Muncie, IN native, Ben has lived in Indianapolis for 15 years. Ben and his husband Brandon live in Westfield, IN with their two Corgis, Reba and Tucker. They are avid travelers and enjoy exploring the world as much as possible. 

Board Member Since 2024

Jules is a marketing, sales and business development professional and has worked in diverse industries including publishing, music & entertainment, restaurant and hospitality, automotive, auctions, insurance and motorsports. She is an avid collector of Mid-Century Modern furnishings, art, textiles, glass, and anything from the Atomic age! A native Hoosier who is also an avid sports fan, she follows Indiana University Women's and Men's basketball, The Indiana Fever and the WNBA. Jules is an original Talbott Street bartender and has been actively involved in the LGBTQ+ community in Indianapolis, Indiana; Atlanta, Georgia; Louisville, Kentucky and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

In the past, she has served both as a board member and worked in an executive administrative role with several board organizations.

 Eddie Beagles

1971-2023 

Eddie P. Beagles, Jr. was vice-president of funeral operations for Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services a division of Flanner Buchanan Funeral Centers. In addition to having been a licensed funeral director and embalmer, he was licensed in Indiana as an insurance agent to assist individuals with their funeral preplanning needs.

Eddie is a native of Roswell, New Mexico. He lived in Chicago for 14 years before moving to Columbia City, Indiana in 2005. In 2008 he was named as one of Northeast Indiana’s Future 40 by Upstate Indiana Magazine. He has been very involved in the communities where he lives having served as president of the Columbia City Community Tree Board, member of the Columbia City Redevelopment Commission, president of the parish council for St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, District #3 Director for the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, chairman of the Bates-Hendricks Neighborhood Association fundraising committee.

Board Member Since 2015